No alternative to Russian gas imports - German minister
BERLIN. March 28 (Interfax) - There is no reasonable alternative to European imports of Russian natural gas, said German Vice-Chancellor, Economic Minister Sigmar Gabriel.
An erroneous thesis of "the availability of numerous energy supply options" is being suggested in the debate on the possible independence of Europe from Russian oil and gas, but this is not so, the Deutsche Welle radio cited Gabriel as saying at an energy forum on Friday.
The vice-chancellor said Europe should not stir up panic or fear the possible termination of supplies from Russia.
"Moscow honored agreements even in the dismal years of the Cold War," he stressed.
Earlier German Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel called for reducing dependence on Russian energy supplies. She said after negotiations with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper that "the entire energy policy would be revised," Deutsche Welle said.
U.S. President Barack Obama said at the EU-U.S. summit in Brussels earlier this week that the Europeans should diversify sources of energy deliveries and suppliers in order to decrease their dependence on Russian gas. He also promised to permit natural gas exports to Europe in amounts sufficient for the daily needs of European residents.